Adjustable bed

ABSTRACT

An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable relative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on the chassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedly connecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed frame may be moved to various elevated and longitudinally tilted positions, which means comprises an intermediate frame connected to the bed frame and the chassis, differential units connecting the intermediate frame to the linear actuators, said differential units being rigidly interconnected whereby the bed frame and intermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axis relative to the chassis, means arranged at the bed foot for ambilateral pivoting displacement of the bed frame and intermediate frame about the longitudinal axis, a split leg rest on the bed frame, a supportable back rest articulated in cantilever fashion in said bed frame, means for manipulating the back and leg rests, and at least one securing rail provided on said bed frame and adapted to support auxiliary appliances.

United States Patent 1 Behrens [4 1 Apr. 3, 1973 54] ADJUSTABLE BED1,775,547 9 1930 Bayer ..5/69

75 l tr: G te Bhre Herf rdW t- 1 men r e o es Primary Examiner-CasmirA.Nunberg phalia, Germany AttorneyH0lman & Stern [73] Assignee: JonStiegelmeyer & Co.,' GmbH,

Herford/Westphalia, Germany 57 ABSTRACT Filed; J 1971 An adjustable bedcomprising a chassis, a bed frame [21] Appl' No 148,749 tiltablerelative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on thechassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedly connecting thelinear actua- [52] US. Cl. ..5/68, /66, 5/69, tors to the b frame sothat the b frame may be 250/68 moved to various elevated andlongitudinally tilted [51] Int. Cl ..A6lg 7/00, A61 g 7/10 positions,which means comprises an intermediate [58] Field Of Search 5/62., 66-69,92, frame connected to the bed frame and the chassis if 5611321250168 71ferential units connecting the intermediate frame to the linearactuators, said differential units being rigidly [56] References Citedinterconnected whereby the bed frame and inter- UNITED STATES PATENTSmediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudmal axis relative tothe chassis, means arranged at 3,503,082 3/ 1970 Kerw" 5/57 the bed footfor ambilateral pivoting displacement of m fi the bed frame andintermediate frame about the 1on- 41 4913 c anus I3 gitudinal axis, asplit leg rest on the bed frame, a sup- [1968 Stanley et al.... ..5I683,343,182 9/1967 Waters 5/317 R portable back rest articulated incantilever fashion in 3,246,540 4/1966 Rickles ..5/68 x bed means formampulatmg the back and 3,239,853 3/1966 MacDonald ..6/58 g rests. andat least one s ur g rail pr vid d on 3,l91,l95 6/1965 Schlackman et al...5/63 said bed frame and adapted to support auxiliary ap- 3,005,999/1961 Brown "5/67 pliances. 2,834,030 5/1958 Jones ..5/81 7 1,973,6999/1934 Bradley ..5/64 4 Claims, Drawing Figures 26 22 r a. 23 36, 1.4 6v PATENTEDAPR 3 ms SHEET 1 OF 8 INVENTOR BUNTER BEHRENS PATENTEDAPR3 maSHEET 2 OF 8,

INVENTOR EUNIER BEHRENS PATENTEDAPR 3 I975 SHEET UF 8 FIGIZ INVENTORHUNTER BEHRENS PATENTEDAPR3 ma 3,724.004

SHEET 5 OF 8 INVENTOR HUNTER BEHRENS PATENTEUAPRB m5 3,724,004

iNVENTOR HUNTER BEHRENS PATENTEUAPR3 1915 3.724.004

m 1.8 5 e) L 50 19a 19 J A B HOZI INVENTOR HUNTER BEHRENS PATENTEUAFR 3I975 SHEET 8 OF 8 20 25 a5 23 as Fl G27.

' 106 oz. 22 H630.

INVENTOR BUNTER BEHRENS ADJUSTABLE BED BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention relates to an adjustable bed and is an improvement in and/ormodification of the adjustable bed described in British Pat. No.1,233,521.

In adjustable beds the reclining surface or the bed frame may bedisplaced from the horizontal position to different heights and/ortilted about the longitudinal and/or transverse axes of the bed by meansof manually operated or controllable actuators, so that the bed may beused for the most varied medical treatments.

PRIOR TECHNIQUES It is also known that the portions of the recliningsurface, such as the back and leg supports, may be placed in differentrelative positions.

It is known moreover that these beds may be equipped with means which,in case of need, render it possible to fit thereto specificcomplementary appliance intended for the actual treatment of thepatient.

In addition, it isknown that the reclining surface or the bed frame maybe so constructed or equipped that all parts of the patients body areavailable for X-ray photography.

Known beds so equipped are already constructed to be suitable to someconsiderable degree, for varied requirements in the treatment ofpatients and of accident victims.

Nevertheless, the overall configuration of such beds is inadequate inparticular for the administration of im portant forms of therapeutictreatment and thus for the potential complementation of therapeuticfacilities.

There are no means and equipment facilities suitable for allrequirements. This applies primarily in respect of intensive therapytreatment of patients.

In the majority of cases, operating devices are not easy to see and canonly be manipulated in an onerous manner or with considerable effort.The means employed for the pivoting or displacing movements of the bedframe and reclining surface portions, especially at their labilesettings, do not ensure the required shockfree positioning of thepatient. This has a very unfavorable effect, in particular duringtreatment of heart cases and accident victims, and can endanger thelives of the patients. Finally, in the case of the known adjustablebeds, the means used for X-ray examination of the patient are inadequatefor high efficiency, especially in respect of reliable, simple andtime-saving manipulation of the equipment systems.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED The requirements for an adjustable bed forintensive care which meets modern medical criteria, are:

1. Optimum mobility of displacement of the reclining surface or bedframe in the longitudinal as well as transverse axes, in combinationwith means for individually displacing the separate parts of a dividedreclining surface frame (Trendelenburg position, cardiac position, amongothers).

2. Vertical displacement of the bed frame from a position of minimumheight to one of maximum height.

3. Shock-free mounting of all displacing elements. 4. Accessibility tothe patient from all sides of the bed, to assist examination, treatmentand therapeutic measures.

5. Suitability for X-ray and transillumination by means of an imageconverter, and X-ray treatment on all parts of the body, withoutdisturbing the patient.

6. Neat and uncomplicated operating devices for convenient andtime-saving manipulation to suit momentary requirements.

7. Means for secure and strain-free support of the patient in allpositions of the reclining surface.

8. Complete mobility of the sick-bed for all medical disciplines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention consists in an adjustable bedcomprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable relative to the chassis, atleast one linear actuator disposed on the chassis at each end of thebed, and means articulatedly connecting the linear actuators to the bedframe so that the bed frame may be moved to various elevated andlongitudinally tilted positions, which means comprises an intermediateframe connected to the bed frame and arranged between the bed frame andthe chassis, and differential units connecting the intermediate frame tothe linear actuators whereby the bed frame and intermediate frame arearranged to pivot about a longitudinal axis relative to the chassis.

In a preferred arrangement, the invention is characterized by theconfiguration and equipment of a universal sick-bed having a combinationof known and new features, wherein the bed frame is or may be equippedwith a supportable back rest articulated in freely floating manner, abuilt-in split leg rest, and with securing rails for complementaryappliances and removable devices for reception of adjustable head andfoot frames, side grilles among other things, as well as with a coverpermeable to X-rays and insertible shaped pads or cushions, which bedframe is arranged to be pivotable about two axes by means of anintermediate frame on differential units or swivel joints which areconnected and rigidly coupled to the extensible part of the actuatorunits, the vertical displacement and the oblique position adjustment toeither side in the direction of the longitudinal axis being performed ineach case by an actuator unit fastened or articulated at the head andfoot sides on the chassis, whereas handles arranged for operation fromthe foot side of the bed are employed for ambilateral pivoting of thebed frame and intermediate frame, together with the devices fittedthereto in the direction of the transverse axis, as well as for thesetting displacements of the back rest and leg rest.

In such an adjustable bed, the now extended extreme positional settingsof the bed frame or of the reclining surface may be reached simply,rapidly and conveniently, by means of four operating elements.

Vertical and oblique position adjustments of the reclining surface areconcomitantly performed by means of an electro-hydraulic assemblycontrollable by means of a manipulator" or manual switching set equippedwith six actuating keys, which may also be operated easily by thepatient, or by means of an electric motor controllable in the samemanner.

The intrinsic nature of the structural efficiency of the adjustable bedrenders it possible to employ a hydraulic foot-pump for the aforesaidsetting displacements.

Operation is considerably simplified or facilitated, and a neatarrangement is provided with precludes any erroneous manipulation of theoperating elements, by means of manipulating devices incorporated forthe displacements of the reclining frame around the transverse axis ofthe bed and for the setting displacements of the back and leg rests,which devices are arranged in a series layout and equipped with anindicator for the type of displacement.

Of special advantage is the incorporation of the differential units orof the swinging links on the extensible parts of the two actuator unitswhich allow reliable and shockfree double pivotal displacement of thebed frame in both axial directions. The coupling of two differentialunits increases stability and simplifies the displacing drive system.

Easy accessibility of the bed for unimpeded care of the patient isattained by the fact that the bed forms a plane surface in the initialposition and removable head or foot side frames as well as the guidegrilles are fitted only if required. It is of considerable advantagethat the head or foot frames which can be clamped to securing rails andadjusted in height, are arranged to be adjustable to oblique positionsor to be downwardly foldable, and that their removal from the bed frameis therefore unnecessary in most cases.

Step brackets are arranged on the bed frame to secure the rest pads ofthe reclining surface.

The fitting of optional ancillary applicances such as assistors,transfusion stand, chart panel, leg and arm rails, immobilizing devices,drawing appliances, holders and bearing rails for X-ray cassettes, amongother things, is substantially simplified and the possibility of fittingthese is increased in many ways, by the incorporation of clamping orsecuring rails right around the bed frame.

In this connection, it is advantageous furthermore that as a result ofthe purpose-linked and mutually matching configuration of all devices,optional positional changes and pivotal displacements may also beperformed together with all auxiliary appliances, on the bed frame.

An effective decubitus prophylaxis may also be performed even withoutemploying a decubitus mattress, by frequent pivotal displacements of thebed frame about the longitudinal axis.

All displacing elements and displacing devices are so constructed andarranged that a shock-free reclining position of the patient is assured.For maintaining this reclining position during heart massage, amongother things, provision is made for an overhanging back rest to besupported by means of a telescopic bearer which is fastened on thehead-end clamping rail. This provides a firm support for the back of theheart patient who is to be treated.

The design of the overhanging back rest in conjunction with theconfiguration of the bed frame, permits transillumination of the patientas far as the groin, by means of image converters. The transilluminationof the lower limbs, say in the case of complex extensions, is alsopossible without any difficulty, if the patient is laid with the headtowards the foot end. The special displaceability of the bed and of theparts of the reclining surface also permits a comfortable restingposition for the patient, even in this case.

X-ray photographs may be taken without difficulty throughout the bedarea, since means are provided for securing and fitting X-ray cassettesagainst free-standing reclining surface supports.

The bed may be employed, especially in intensive care wards, inconjunction with a pace-maker electrode with a.v. block under imageconverter control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be furtherdescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an adjustable bed,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bed shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is an end view in the direction A in FIG. 1,

FIGS. 4 to 11 are diagrammatic illustrations of vari ous positions ofthe bed frame or of the reclining surface,

FIG. 12 is a side view of a differential unit or swinging link on theextensible part of a linear actuator unit,

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the differential unit shown in FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 is a side view of a displacing device for oblique positionadjustment of the bed frame in the direction of the transverse axis,

FIG. 15 is an end view in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the displacing device shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the displacing device for the back rest takenalong the line A-B in FIG. 18,

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the displacing device according to FIG. 17,

FIG. 19 is a side view of guiding elements for guiding rods of thedisplacing device according to FIGS. 17, 18 in enlarged illustration(detail .A", FIG. 17),

FIG. 20 is a side view of the displacing device for the leg rest takenalong line A-B in FIG. 21,

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the displacing device according to FIG. 20,

FIG. 22 is a foot-end elevation of the bed frame, in detail,illustrating dials for indicating movement of handcranks of thedisplacing elements,

FIG. 23 shows an indicating device for the oblique position adjustmentof the bed frame in the direction of the transverse axis,

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a foot board with fastening anddisplacing device,

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a covered back rest,

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a head support inserted in the backrest,

FIG. 27 is a side view of a cassette holder clamped on i the bed frame,

FIG. 28 is a plan view of the back rest with gauging or locating bars orabutment rails clamped on the securing rails, for X-ray cassettes,

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a holder for an oxygen cylinderarranged on the chassis, and

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the bed or reclining frame with theside grilles clamped on and a foot bow inserted, with shaped padsinserted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The adjustable bed shown in thedrawings essentially comprises a bed frame 16, 20 supported on achassis. The chassis has a central pair of parallel longitudinal beams2, the ends of each beam being joined to crossmembers 2a and 2b. Thecross-members 2a and 2b are each equipped at their ends with castors 2cwhich may be locked for immobilization, straight forward movement, andsteered movement, by means of a simple lever thrust.

At the head-end of the bed a telescopic actuator unit 1 which has tobear the major load, is fastened to. the two longitudinal beams 2 bymeans of angular butt straps 3; at the foot-end an actuator unit 4 ispivotally arranged on a thick bolt 7 on the longitudinal beams 2 bymeans of straps or links 5, and an inter-welded spacing sleeve 6. Upperend plates 8 of the actuator units are each secured to a differentialunit or swinging link 9. The two differential units 9 are rigidlyinterconnected by means of a tube 10 dimensioned commensurately with thehigh stresses, through-straps or links 11 and bolts and nuts 11a. Anintermediate frame 13 is arranged on the differential units 9, onspindles 14, and is guarded against lateral tipping together with thebed frame 16, 20 connected thereto by means of a transmission gear 15held by securing links 15a on the intermediate frame 13. Swinging links12 for the extensible part of the transmission gear 15 employed foroblique positioning are also arranged on the connecting tube 10.

The reclining frame or bed frame 16 is rigidly coupled to theintermediate frame 13 by means of tubular brackets 17, 18. The back rest20 is articulated in cantilever fashion to the bed frame 16 by means ofpivot bearings 21. On the transverse member of the back rest 20 isarranged a plug-in socket 70 for reception of a square plug 89 of a headsupport 90 (FIG. 26). A securing or clamping rail 24 is also arranged onthe same cross-member, on which auxiliary appliances may be fitted.Clamping rails 22, 23 are also arranged laterally on the back rest 20and on the bed frame 16, in a known manner. Three pairs of links orstraps 19, which serve to receive three worm drives 67, 35, 49, whichpoint towards the middle of the bed, are fastened on the foot-endcross-member of the bed frame 16. Moreover, the foot-end cross-membermay also be provided with a clamping rail.

All the reclining portions, back rest 20, central portion and a leg rest47, are equipped with plywood panels 25, 26, 27, 28 permeable to X-raysand whose underside is kept free of metal for direct contact with X-raycassettes.

The basic positions of the bed or reclining frame 16, 20, 46 obtainableby means of the four displacing devices, are shown diagrammatically inFIGS. 4 to 11.

FIG. 4 illustrates a reversed Trendelenburg position up to approximately23.

FIG. 5 illustrates the Trendelenburg position up to approximately 23.

FIG. 6 illustrates the head-low position down to approximately 20". Theback rest 20 articulated in cantilever fashion on the bed frame 16 iscorrespondingly arranged to be downwardly foldable.

FIG. 7 illustrates a comfortable reclining position,

FIG. 8 illustrates the cardiac position.

FIG. 9 illustrates the horizontal reclining position, the low positionof approximately 62 cms being indicated in broken lines and the highposition of approximately 90 cms being indicated in solid lines.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a laterally tipped positions of the bed frame16, 20 towards the left, and the right respectively, up to approximately30.

As stated in the following description, any alternative combination ofthe displacing adjustments is possible, and thus of the positionalsettings of the reclining surface between the extremes specified.

The differential unit or swinging link illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13has a stable frame 9 for reception of pivot bearing bolts 14, 64 actingin two orthagonal axial directions and of a coupling 10, 11 forconnection to a second differential unit. The substantially dimensionedconnecting member 10 has links 11 at either side, which links are eachconnected by screws 11a to the frame 9. A pivot bearing 66 associatedwith the bearing bolt 14, which is equally firmly cottered to thecrossmember of the intermediate frame 13, is employed for pivotingdisplacements in the direction of the transverse axis about thelongitudinal axis, and is arranged on the frame 9 in the longitudinalaxis of the bed. The two opposed bearing bolts 64 are fastened on theframe 9 by means of countersunk screws 65 and are employed for thepivoting displacements in the direction of the longitudinal axis toestablish the oblique longitudinal positions of the bed frame 16, 20.Bearing plates 63 extend downwardly for the oblique settingdisplacements, with play, on the bolt 64. A plate 61 is fastened bymeans of cap or set screws 62 on a top plate arranged on the extensiblepart of the telescopic actuator units 1, 4.

The rigidly coupled differential units or swinging links ensure stableand shock-free mounting of the intermediate frame 13, with the bed frame16, 20. To this end, unimpeded, simultaneous, alternate-sided extendingand retracting displacement of the telescopic actuator units 1, 4 toobtain positional settings of the bed frame 16, 20 by means of thebearings 63, 64 in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and by meansof the bearings 14, 66 in the direction of the transverse axis, havebeen rendered possible in a surprisingly simple manner.

In the displacing device illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 for ambilateraloblique position setting of the bed frame 16, 20 together with theintermediate frame 13, a crank spindle bearer 67 provided with a manualfastening crank 30 is fastened to the pair of links 19 arranged on thefoot-end transverse member of the bed frame 16. The crank spindle bearer67 is connected to the upper link 67a by means of the stud bolt 67b, andto the pair of securing links 19 by means of lateral set screws 19a. Thedrive is transmitted from the driving spindle 67 through a combinationtype ball joint 31, a rod 33 coupled to ball joint 31, an extensibleentraining tube 32 having a further combination type ball joint 31connected thereto, to the gear 15 arranged on the intermediate frame 13by means of securing straps or links 15a, the extensible part 15b ofsaid gear being articulated to the pair of pivot links 12 fastened onthe connecting tube 10.

The actual pivotal support of the bed frame 16, 20 in the direction ofthe transverse axis is provided through the pair of links 15a. Duringextension and retraction of Y the gear 15, the intermediate frame 13with the bed frame 16, 20 is moved from the horizontal position to therequired oblique position, in counter-abutment to the pair of links 12which are rigidly and indirectly coupled to the differential unit 9.

These oblique setting displacements are independent of the displacingmovements in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Accordingly,simultaneous positional adjustment of the reclining surface may beperformed in both orthagonal axial directions. A further increase in thevariety of positions between the extremes shown in FIGS. 4 to 11 for thesetting of the reclining surface is thus rendered possible.

In the device illustrated in FIGS. 17-19 for the displacement of theback rest 20 articulated in a cantilever fashion to the bed frame 16, aworm drive 35 provided with a hand crank 34 is fastened to the pair oflinks 19 by means of screws 190, the pair of links 19 fastened to thebed frame 16 at the foot end being additionally stabilized and supportedby the intermediate frame 13, as shown in FIG. 17. The worm gear 35 isconnected to the top end of the extensible part and by means of ascrewbolt 38 to links 37 fastened to a crossmember 36. The cross-member36 has ambilaterally arranged guiding elements 39 each of which slideslongitudinally under the action of the worm drive 34, 35 on a guidingrod 43 secured on the bed frame 16 at the inward side, by means ofsecuring straps or links 43a. Ball sliding bearings 42 are situated inthe outer sleeve 41 of the guiding units 39. A link rod 44 isarticulated to a downwardly projecting connecting spindle 40; the

other end of the link rod is joined by a bolt 46 to a linking strap 45which is firmly connected to the inward bearing portion of the pivotbearing 21, which is in turn connected to the back rest 20 by means of asecuring arm, and the outward bearing portion of the bearing 21 isfixedly coupled by an arm to the bed frame 16.

Since the guiding and articulation of the back rest provided bycross-member 36 and guiding elements 39 operates along both longitudinalsides, a reliable transmission of the smooth setting displacements and ahigh degree of stability are achieved, which assures a shockfreereclining position. Due to the configuration of the guiding elements 39and to the prevention of twisting by the bearing articulations 21, thesetting displacement is not impeded. Moreover, a wide space free of ironis assured below the back rest 20, ensuring that the area is suitablefor X-ray therapy.

In the device for displacement of the leg rest 47, 47a (FIG. 20)articulated to the bed frame 16, the two parts 47, 470 areinterconnected by hinges 47b, and a worm drive 49 provided with a crank48 is fastened by the screws 19a to the pair of securing links 19arranged on the bed frame 16. The extensible part of the worm drive 49has its free extremity articulated to the short arm of an angle lever 50which in turn is articulated to the inward side of the bed frame 16 bymeans of a bearing 50a. The longer arm of the angle lever 50 is firmlyconnected to a cross-member 51a the two ends of which are provided withsliding rollers 51; the rollers 51 are each arranged to slide in a shortslide rail 52 situated on the two arms 47a of the leg rest 47 duringsetting displacements. Remote from the angle lever 50, the cross-member51a is connected to the bed frame 16 (FIGS. 20, 21) by a lever strap 50band through the bearing 50a.

The convenient and effortless smooth upward and downward movement of theleg rest 47 is rendered possible by this displacing device.

The layout of the hand cranks 30, 34, 48 arranged on the foot-endcross-member of the bed frame 16 for actuation of the displacingelements, as illustrated in FIG. 22, is simplified by the neat andconvenient indicator dials 73, 74, for the setting displacements.

The indicator illustrated in FIG. 23, comprises a pointer 76 arranged onthe spindle 14 and a corresponding an arcuate graduated scale 77arranged on the foot-end cross-member of the differential unit 9. Uponoperating the crank 30, the angle of the resulting oblique position ofthe reclining surface may be read off clearly on the graduated scale 77.

An electro-hydraulic assembly 58 is secured to the longitudinal beams 2of the chassis by means of angular straps 58a is provided for theactuation of the telescopic actuator units 1, 4 (FIGS. 1-3).High-pressure hoses lead from the electro-hydraulic system 58 to theactuator units 1, 4, together with unio'ns leading to the workingcylinders, are protected against possible damage by protective caps 56.Control is conveniently exercised by means of a manual electric switchcarrying safe low voltage and provided with a displaceable connectinglead, so that the actuation of the displacing elements can also beperformed effortlessly by the patient himself. To this end the handswitch comprises six actuating push-buttons for the six kinds ofmovement of the bed frame, i.e., Parallel position up down, head side updown," foot side up down.

The adjustable bed may alternatively be provided with driving meansother than the electro-hydraulic system, for example an electric motoror a hydraulic foot pump.

The removable and adjustable installation of a head or foot board 84(FIG. 24) is performed by means of a clamping device 80 adapted to beconnected to the clamping rail 22. The device 80 is associated with adisplacing device 81 which allows oblique position setting or downwardfolding of the foot or head board 84 by operation of a clamping lever82. The foot board is removably threaded over a tubular connectionprojecting from the base of the displacing device 81. The verticalsetting of the head or foot portion can be performed by means ofclamping wing-nuts or screws 83.

FIG. 24 also illustrates the convenient arrangement of the cranks 30,34, 48 and the indicator dials 73, 74, 75.

FIG. 25 shows a telescopic prop 87 for the overhanging back rest 20,clamped on to the head-end clamping rail 24. The vertical setting isperformed by means of a clamp 88. A hard panel 86, for example ofplywood, is placed on a back rest pad 85. The conditions necessary forheat massage are thus fully satisfied, the prop 87 providing ashock-free base and the panel 86 supplying a hard support, as required.

FIG. 26 shows a head support 90 fitted on the back rest 20. A hingedprop 89 has a portion inserted in a square socket 70 situated at thehead-end below the back rest '20, and immobilized by means of a clampinglever 890.

In FIG. 27 a cassette holder is fastened to the clamping rails 22 bymeans of a clamp 91. An X-ray cassette is pressed unimpededly againstthe plywood panels 27, 25, 26 at any optional point throughout thereclining surface by means of a holding device comprising a securing rod93 adjustable by means of a clamp 92 and a cassette support 94. Thefastening and securing of a cassette holder for X-ray cassettes whichare to be clamped vertically is performed in a similar manner.

In FIG. 28 abutment rails 97, 99 situated on the clamping rails 23, 24by mean of clamps 96, 98 are arranged in the area of the back rest forlocation of an X-ray cassette, the longer rail 99 being clamped on fromthe head-end and the shorter railfrom either end. After adjustment ofthe locating or abutment elements 97, 99, the X-ray cassette may then bepressed against the covering plywood panel 25 by means of the cassetteholder, as shown in FIG. 27, while in abutment against the rods 97, 99.

For storage or fitting of a compressed gas cylinder, for example acylinder 102 for supplying the patient with oxygen, there is providedsupporting brackets 101 are screwed to fastening straps 100 provided ona longitudinal beam 2 of the chassis, as illustrated in FIG. 29.

The patient will be liable to slide away from a central position on thebed, at an oblique position setting of the reclining surface up to ineither direction of the transverse axis. To prevent this happeningspecial shaped cushions 105, 106, which must be repositioned on changingthe oblique position, are arranged between the patient and side grilles103 clamped on the clamping rails 22, 23, before cranking to the tippedposition. FIG. 30 shows the arrangement of a two-piece cushion 106 andof the side grilles 103. The oblique position setting of the recliningsurface in the direction of the transverse axis may be appliedparticularly in cases of pulmonary atelectasis, and decubitusprophylaxis.

The universal application of the bed desirable in the nursing techniqueof hospitals, for all cases within the most diverse medical treatmentsis accomplished completely by the appropriate combination of knownfunctional parts with new means and features in the sick-bed accordingto the invention. This applies in particular for intensive care wards.Compliance with the demand for reclining surfaces which wrought tooverhang and carry substantial loads and to be tippable up to 30relative to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the transversalaxis, with shock-free mounting of the bed frame on stable differentialunits which allow of separate and combined'pivotal displacements in twoaxial directions, is particularly advantageous.

Iclaim: I

1. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable relativeto the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on the chassis ateach end of the bed and means articulatedly connecting the linearactuators to the bed frame so that the bed frame may be moved to variouselevated and longitudinally titled positions, said connecting meanscomprising an intermediate frame connected to the bed frame and arrangedbetween the bed frame and chassis, and differential units connecting theintermediate frame to the linear actuators whereby the bed frame andintermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axisrelative to the chassis in which two differential units perform thepivoting displacements in two axial directions of the bed framesupported through the intermediate frame, each unit comprising an outeraxial bearing in the longitudinal axis of the bed for reception of apivot bolt cottered within a cross-member of the intermediate frame anda pivot bolt situtation in the transverse axis and ambilaterallyflange-coupled by a screw connection on the differential unit whereofthe insertion in downwardly suspended bearing sockets provided in acentral securing plate occurs with play, a force-locked transversecoupling between the two differential units fastened on thrustassemblies being provided by a tubular rod which is coupled throughlinks situated at both extremieties to the differential units by meansof screws.

2. An adjustable 'bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltablerelative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on thechassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedly connecting thelinear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed frame may be moved tovarious elevated and longitudinally tilted positions, said connectingmeans comprising an intermediate frame connected to the bed frame andarranged between the bed frame and the chassis, and differential unitsconnecting the intermediate frame to the linear acuators whereby the bedframe and intermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinalaxis relative to the chassis, a device for ambilateral oblique positionsetting performed along the transverse axis of the bed frame in which aspindle bearer equipped with a hand crank is secured by means of afastening strap or link and of a stud bolt and two set screws in a shakeproof manner on securing straps situated on the bed frame and a drivingspindle is coupled to a composite ball joint from which a connection isestablished through a rod connected thereto, an extensible extrainingtube and another composite ball joint, to a transversely situatedtransmission gear which is articulated on the intermediate frame bymeans of links and has its extensible part articulated through the linkson a connecting tube between the differential units.

3. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable relativeto the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on the chassis ateach end of the bed, and means articulatedly connecting the linearactuators to the bed frame so that the bed frame may be moved to variouselevated and longitudinally tilted positions, said connecting meanscomprising an intermediate frame connected to the bed frame and arrangedbetween the bed frame and chassis, and differential units connecting theintermediate frame to the linear actuators whereby the bed frame andintermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axisrelative to the chassis, a device for displacement of a back restconsisting of a worm drive equipped with a hand crank which is connectedto a pair of securing straps or links fastened on the bed frame by meansof two set or cap screws, the extensible part of the worm drive beingjoined through links and by means of screws to a cross-member which ateach extremity has a guiding element with ball slide bearings within anexternal sleeve, which slide longitudinally on a guiding rod, which isfastened to the inner side of the bed frame by means of links, the twoslide elements being equipped with a downwardly projecting link on whichguiding or locating rods are articulated at one end and the otherextremities of the latter being articulated on locating or guiding linksby means of bolts, and the locating links being firmly connected to thepart of the pivot bearing which for its part is firmly connected to theback rest frame.

4. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable relativeto the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on the chassis ateach end of the bed, and means articulatedly connecting the linearactuators to the bed frame so that the bed frame may be moved to variouselevated and longitudinally tilted positions, said connecting meanscomprising an intermediate frame connected to the bed frame and arrangedbetween the bed frame and the chassis, and differential units connectingthe intermediate frame to the linear actuators whereby the bed frame andintermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axisrelative to the chassis, a device for the setting displacement of a legrest consisting of a crank equipped worm drive which is connected bymeans of two cap screws to a pair of securing links arranged on afoot-side crossmember of the bed frame, the extensible rod portion ofthe worm drive having its external extremity connected to an angle leverwhich is secured in a bearing situated on the inner side of the bedframe and an upstanding arm being firmly joined to the cross-memberhaving sliding rollers at either side of which each rolls alongslidingly in a short rail situated in one of two arms of the leg restduring the occurrence of the setting displacement, the cross-memberhaving its extremity opposed to that for the angle lever connected tothe bed frame through a lever strap and the bearing.

1. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable relativeto the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on the chassis ateach end of the bed and means articulatedly connecting the linearactuators to the bed frame so that the bed frame may be moved to variouselevated and longitudinally titled positions, said connecting meanscomprising an intermediate frame connected to the bed frame and arrangedbetween the bed frame and chassis, and differential units connecting theintermediate frame to the linear actuators whereby the bed frame andintermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axisrelative to the chassis in which two differential units perform thepivoting displacements in two axial directions of the bed framesupported through the intermediate frame, each unit comprising an outeraxial bearing in the longitudinal axis of the bed for reception of apivot bolt cottered within a cross-member of the intermediate frame anda pivot bolt situtation in the transverse axis and ambilaterallyflange-coupled by a screw connection on the differential unit whereofthe insertion in downwardly suspended bearing sockets provided in acentral securing plate occurs with play, a force-locked transversecoupling between the two differential units fastened on thrustassemblies being provided by a tubular rod which is coupled throughlinks situated at both extremieties to the differential units by meansof screws.
 2. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frametiltable relative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposedon the chassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedlyconnecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed framemay be moved to various elevated and longitudinally tilted positions,said connecting means comprising an intermediate frame connected to thebed frame and arranged between the bed frame and the chassis, anddifferential units connecting the intermediate frame to the linearacuators whereby the bed frame and intermediate frame are arranged topivot about a longitudinal axis relative to the chassis, a device forambilateral oblique position setting performed along the transverse axisof the bed frame in which a spindle bearer equipped with a hand crank issecured by means of a fastening strap or link and of a stud bolt and twoset screws in a shake proof manner on securing straps situated on thebed frame and a driving spindle is coupled to a composite ball jointfrom which a connection is established through a rod connected thereto,an extensible extraining tube and another composite ball joint, to atransversely situated transmission gear which is articulated on theintermediate frame by means of links and has its extensible partarticulated through the links on a connecting tube between thedifferential units.
 3. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bedframe tiltable relative to the chassis, at least one linear actuatordisposed on the chassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedlyconnecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed framemay be moved to various elevated and longitudinally tilted positions,said connecting means comprising an intermediate frame connected to thebed frame and arranged between the bed frame and chassis, anddifferential units connecting the intermediate frame to the linearactuators whereby the bed frame and intermediate frame are arranged topivot about a longitudinal axis relative to the chassis, a device fordisplacement of a back rest consisting of a worm drive equipped with ahand crank which is connected to a pair of securing straps or linksfastened on the bed frame by means of two set or cap screws, theextensible part of the worm drive being joined through links and bymeans of screws to a cross-member which at each extremity has a guidingelement with ball slide bearings within an external sleeve, which slidelongitudinally on a guiding rod, which is fastened to the inner side ofthe bed frame by means of links, the two slide elements being equippedwith a downwardly projecting link on which guiding or locating rods arearticulated at one end and the other extremities of the latter beingarticulated on locating or guiding links by means of bolts, and thelocating links being firmly connected to the part of the pivot bearingwhich for its part is firmly connected to the back rest frame.
 4. Anadjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable relative tothe chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on the chassis ateach end of the bed, and means articulatedly connecting the linearactuators to the bed frame so that the bed frame may be moved to variouselevated and longitudinally tilted positions, said connecting meanscomprising an intermediate frame connected to the bed frame and arrangedbetween the bed frame and the chassis, and differential units connectingthe intermediate frame to the linear actuators whereby the bed frame andintermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axisrelative to the chassis, a device for the setting displacement of a legrest consisting of a crank equipped worm drive which is connected bymeans of two cap screws to a pair of securing links arranged on afoot-side cross-member of the bed frame, the extensible rod portion ofthe worm drive having its external extremity connected to an angle leverwhich is secured in a bearing situated on the inner side of the bedframe and an upstanding arm being firmly joined to the cross-memberhaving sliding rollers at either side of which each rolls alongslidingly in a short rail situated in one of two arms of the leg restduring the occurrence of the setting displacement, the cross-memberhaving its extremity opposed to that for the angle lever connected tothe bed frame through a lever strap and the bearing.